Anthony Albanese
Grayndler · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“The ground there at Brookvale Oval, as I call it, was of course sponsored by a gambling company, so every time there's a game on there you see that constant advertising around the ground. What our legislation will do is make sure that future contracts can't be issued with things such as advertising on jerseys or advertising on grounds.”
“She's someone who's passionate about it and tells me about her constituent who is 108 years old and travelled, as a very young boy, from South Australia with family for the opening of the first parliament—and he's still there. We hope he's able to attend again.”
“That is why, just this week, there was the increase in the minimum wage, the decrease in taxes, the support for paid parental leave, super being paid every payday. All of these changes make a positive difference to people's lives.”
“This year, Australia is celebrating 125 years of Federation, and I was with you and other members in Melbourne to commemorate that event of the first sitting of parliament, and it was a very good celebration of our history, which is worthy of celebration.”
“We Australians sometimes think of ourselves as a young nation on an ancient continent, yet by global standards, of course, we are one of the oldest and strongest democracies in the world. Next year will mark an important anniversary: the 100th anniversary of Australian democracy making its home here in Canberra, our national capital.”
“I note the member for McPherson, who's a former attendant in Parliament House, has agreed to be one of the members of that committee as well, and that's a good thing.”
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“I thank the member for his question. It goes to national security issues, and, on national security, there are two priorities. The first priority is, of course, keeping the public safe. The second and related principle is that we engage with the Australian Federal Police and the national intelligence agencies. We don't go out there and brief about National Security Committee meetings. We don't discuss those details, because it's an ongoing investigation. What you do when you have an ongoing investigation is that you take the advice of the Australian Federal Police and the ASIO director-general, and that is precisely what I have done the whole way through. Now, the Leader of the Opposition always has briefings made available when they're requested. He has not requested a briefing at this time.”
“I'm asked about the impact of policy on people's living standards. I make this point. If the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Treasurer had their way, Australian families would be $7,200 worse off than they are today. We inherited—”
“I thank the member for her question. Indeed, it goes to cost of living, and it goes to inflation. What we know is that inflation is now at 2.4 per cent, less than in the bottom half of what the Reserve Bank range of two to three per cent—their target range—is. We know that, when we were elected, it had a six in front of it. Of course, the price of all goods and services feed into those inflationary figures. We know, as well, that the underlying rate is down to 3.2 per cent. We know, as well, that the response of those opposite has been to have never been more upset than when inflation was going down. They went out there and—”
“On the weekend, we celebrated the 41st birthday of Medicare, proudly created by Labor, always strengthened by Labor. Those opposite— (Time expired)”
“That is why we're concentrating on what our system is, which is primarily responsible for primary health care. It's because we understand that that's the way as well that you take pressure off emergency departments and enable people to get the health care that they need. And that stands in stark contrast to the record of the Leader of the Opposition who, of course, wanted a GP tax every time people visited a doctor, wanted a tax every time people visited a hospital and ripped $50 billion out of the hospital system. We on this side of the House will always look to do more when it comes to health care. We will look at sensible ways of being able to move forward, because we understand how important that is, and it's one of the great divides in Australian politics.”
“What we did was take the tax cuts that were primarily aimed at the top end and redistributed those to people on low incomes, but it was targeted particularly at Middle Australia, because we understood that they were under financial pressure. We delivered the change through this parliament, and those opposite don't talk about that anymore. They said they would reverse it and reinstate those tax cuts for the high end, and we await a policy at some stage, apart from their free lunch policy, and we await the costings of them, apart from their nuclear policy. But I'm asked also about health care. We understand that provision of health care and universal health care are so important. That is why we tripled the bulk-billing incentive. That is why we've opened 87 urgent care clinics.”
“I thank the member for Melbourne for his question that goes to tax policy but also goes to health policy. On tax policy, in spite of his general observation, the truth is that many big companies do pay considerable amounts of tax with revenue that is then used to fund health and education. But one of the things that we did around about this time last year—and the member for Melbourne will recall those opposite saying that they would oppose it absolutely, and then they would roll it back before they said that we should call an election at this time last year, even though actually the Constitution doesn't allow that to happen, but we won't worry about that! They said we should call an election. They were so hostile to nurses and other workers benefiting.”
“We will continue to provide cost-of-living relief while continuing to strengthen the economy. Those opposite— ( Time expired)”
“Well, the Leader of the Opposition is out there talking about 'economic surgery'. On Insiders , just on Sunday, he confirmed that massive cuts are coming. But he won't tell Australians what they are until after the election. He wants you to vote for them, and then there will be cuts coming after the election. He wants to put the whole country under the knife, but he won't tell you what he's cutting until after the operation. Well, we know already that, on top of their opposition to all of our cost-of-living measures, the only policy that they have put forward—the only policy they've come up with—is for every taxpayer to fund a free lunch that those opposite have now doubled down on today. While we're thinking outside the box, they're thinking inside the lunch box! That is their policy as they go forward.”
“We have deliberately designed a range of measures so that they address cost-of-living pressures whilst creating the conditions for building Australia's future. Investing in free TAFE lowers costs for people—600,000 of them—whilst giving them the skills that they need and the employers the skilled workforce that they need going forward. Fully funding all of our schools that we aimed to, with six out of eight states signed up, is making a difference as well. The childcare policy, including the three guarantee for child care, is about building Australia's future. We're wiping 20 per cent of student debt and making sure that we strengthen Medicare through our 87 urgent care clinics, after we promised 50 at the last election. Meanwhile, I'm asked about alternatives.”
“I thank the member for Bendigo for both elements of her question. We do begin 2025 with new reasons for optimism about the road ahead. Inflation is going down, wages are going up and unemployment is low. The world has thrown a lot of challenges at us. We know that it has been difficult with financial pressure on households and we know that many households are still under financial pressure, which is why there is more to do. What we've done is manage the economy responsibly while providing cost-of-living relief. Tax cuts, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, energy bill relief, back-to-back budget surpluses—these are the strong foundations that we've laid. As we tackle those immediate challenges and as we navigate these turbulent seas, we've always had our eye on the horizon as well.”
“What we have seen, also, is that wages have increased four quarters in a row. Inflation up, wages down, unemployment low—that is what has been achieved through the hard work of Australians. We also have received, during that period, two—not one but two—budget surpluses, back-to-back surpluses. Those opposite didn't worry about inflation. At a time when you had that inflation rising, rising, rising and interest rates had begun to rise, what was their response? The March 2022 budget. That produced a $78 billion predicted deficit and deficits each year all the way through—his debut!”
“When we came to office, real incomes were going backwards, inflation was going up, rising—it had a six in front of it—and indeed we had people's living standards going backwards. And we had deficits—a $78 billion deficit—that we inherited in the March 2022 budget. Let's go through the figures of then and now that are raised by the Leader of the Opposition. Inflation in that March 2022 quarter was 2.1 per cent. In the quarter that has just passed, headline was 0.2 and underlying was 0.5. Inflation was 2.4 on an annual basis, under the two-to-three range that the RBA aimed for—in the bottom half of that range. That was achieved without seeing the massive spike in unemployment that we have seen in comparable economies. Unemployment is four per cent—up from 3.9 to four—on the latest figures.”
“I present a revised ministry list that includes the changes to the ministry made by the Governor-General on 20 January and new representative arrangements. I understand the document will be included in the Votes and Proceedings and Hansard . The document read as follows— Each box represents a portfolio. As a general rule, there is one department in each portfolio. However, there can be two departments in one portfolio. Cabinet Ministers are shown in bold type. Assistant Ministers in italics are designated as Parliamentary Secretaries under the Ministers of State Act 1952 .”
“When I was at Horsham I met people from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, as well as Tasmania, who were all volunteering there. I thank everyone for the bravery and kindness that you are showing. This is a difficult time. We will remain vigilant. The Commonwealth will continue to offer whatever support is necessary, and I know that we do that on a bipartisan basis as national government as well. I'll continue to engage, particularly with the Queensland premier, about what is required there. We've already had some discussion about the need to build back better in a couple of cases, rather than just repeat some of the mistakes of the past as well. We'll engage constructively on all of those issues.”
“The beautiful Grampians has already been badly affected by fires over summer, and I rang the member for Wannon during that period as well and had a discussion with him before I visited with Minister McAllister in between Christmas and the new year. I know that the local member was very active in engaging with those communities at that time, where I visited the Horsham Incident Control Centre with the premier, Premier Allan. We also flew over the fire affected areas and met with the volunteers. It says something, though, about the Australian spirit that, at this point in time, there are volunteers from Queensland—even though there's an event in Queensland—helping out with firefighting in southern Australia.”
“We have indicated that we, of course, will provide whatever assistance is requested, and, already, some of the emergency payments have kicked in as well. One of the reasons why Minister McAllister is basing herself there is to see firsthand what is happening. I say as well that heatwaves, of course, can also be incredibly dangerous, and yesterday, tragically, a woman lost her life at Mount Augustus when her vehicle became bogged and she left her car to try and walk back to the tourist park, where the temperature was in the high 40s. This is just a tragedy, and our thoughts are with her loved ones at the time of grief. There are bushfires of concern burning in Victoria, Tasmania, southern Western Australia and South Australia.”
“Some places in northern Queensland have recorded 500 mils of rain in a 24-hour period. Rising floodwaters are inflicting devastation on homes and communities; thousands have had to evacuate. I want to assure the House that, in this challenging time, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Queensland government and with every Queenslander. Military helicopters have been deployed. We now have three helicopters at the disposal of the Commonwealth. One of those is in Queensland, one is in Victoria dealing with fires and one is in South Australia dealing with fires. In addition to that, there are four military helicopters that have been made available, two based in Townsville and two based in Oakey, and I thank the defence minister, as always, for the fact that the defence community comes on board when it is needed.”
“I received a briefing at the national headquarters here in Canberra yesterday morning. One of the things about this country is that, when you have a briefing and there's flooding and massive torrential rain in the north but extraordinary heatwaves in southern Australia, you do realise the extent of the danger that that represents. The fact that we can have more than one type of natural disaster at once really places strain. I do want to give a shout-out to all those emergency services personnel who are working at this time, whether that is through NEMA, through the state authorities or through the SES as volunteers. Also, one of the things I discussed with the Premier was people doorknocking, door to door, to make sure people were alerted and people were evacuated there in Townsville.”
“on indulgence—Mr Speaker, I join with you, and I'm sure I speak for every member of this House, in saying that we are thinking of all those Australians battling natural disasters. I note the comments that you've made in relation to the member for Kennedy; I spoke with Bob late on Sunday night and again yesterday. I note that the member for Herbert is also appropriately absent from the chamber, as well as the member for Dawson, and that Senator Jenny McAllister, the Minister for Emergency Management, is on the ground there. I spoke with Premier Crisafulli today, yesterday and on Saturday, and, indeed, last week I discussed with him what was heading that way. I do want to take the opportunity to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the woman who tragically lost her life in the floodwaters near Ingham on Sunday.”
“We want to make sure that we have not just the words, as we repeat them, 'never again'; we want to make sure that this is a reality. We know that antisemitism has given dark shadows across generations. I say to Jewish Australians: live proudly, stand tall, you belong here and Australia stands with you.”
“They include: establishing Special Operation Avalite, to respond to and investigate antisemitism attacks; $57 million investment to improve safety and security at Jewish schools and synagogues; an $8.5 million investment to upgrade the Sydney Jewish Museum; funding towards the replacement of the Torah scrolls housed in the Adass Israel synagogue; the appointment of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal—something that has existed for a while in other parts of the world; and an agreement of National Cabinet to establish a national database to track antisemitic crime. In addition to that, we will continue to provide ASIO, the Australian Federal Police and all of the authorities every resource that they request or desire in order to be able to do their work. We respect their work and give them support.”
“I want it to be part of the itinerary for visiting school groups, every bit as much as Parliament House, Questacon and the National Museum are. The Holocaust was carried out on a scale that falls across the decades like a terrible shadow, and we cannot let its lessons recede into history. It's important we know what road hate can take people down. We saw hatred in the October 7 attacks, the same hatred fuelled the fire that devastated the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne, and the same hatred drove those who targeted a childcare centre in Maroubra. These acts of hatred are an assault on the rights that every Australian cherishes. In addition to the laws we have passed, this government has made multiple commitments and investments to combat antisemitism.”
“It's also why we criminalised doxxing, legislation that some failed to support in this parliament, at the end of last year. Our groundbreaking legislation has made it easier for our law enforcement bodies to deal with the perpetrators of antisemitic acts, but it cannot be our only tool. Hatred feeds on ignorance, and ignorance thrives in darkness. So, as we fight these crimes of bigotry in the present, we are building for a better future through the light of education and memory. Last week, as we marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, my government committed $2 million for the upgrade of the Holocaust Institute for WA education centre, and we also announced $4.4 million for a national centre for Holocaust education here in Canberra.”
“Our country is better than that and our country is a better place because of our Jewish community. Our government is committed to keeping the community safe. We have not wavered. Antisemitism stands in vile opposition to all we are as a nation and all that we have built together over generations. It has no place in our nation, and we'll combat it with the full force of our laws and total commitment from every level of government. Some of the horrendous acts have led to arrests. More will follow. We have a simple message to those cowards and criminals engaged in these low acts of hatred: you will be caught and you will be punished; our government has no tolerance for your actions. That is why we introduced a landmark ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols—the first ever—which came into effect in January last year.”
“I rise to support this motion moved by the member for Wentworth, and I congratulate her on doing so. I want to speak about the issue that's actually before us. On the first day that this parliament sat after the terrorist atrocities of 7 October 2023, this parliament overwhelmingly voted for a motion. It said, in clause (3): … the House … … … … condemns antisemitism and recognises that generations of Jewish people have been subjected to this hateful prejudice … I, on that day, said: I know I speak for every member of this House when I say that this kind of hateful prejudice has no place in Australia. The awful antisemitism chanted by some of the protesters at the Sydney Opera House is beyond offensive; it is a betrayal of our Australian values. We reject it and we condemn it.”